Skip to main content Skip to home page

Findings

A written finding is a formal document handed down by a coroner following an investigation into a death or fire and is generally the final step in the coronial investigation process. A written finding is made regardless of whether an inquest is held or not.

A written finding following an investigation into a death will usually, if possible, include:

  • the identity of the person who died
  • the time, date, and location where the death occurred
  • a summary of the evidence relating to the circumstances of the death, in some cases
  • comments or recommendations made by the coroner aimed at preventing similar deaths, in some cases.

Findings are published when:

  • an inquest was held
  • recommendations have been made
  • a coroner otherwise orders they be published.

Findings handed down and published are available below.

Search older findings on the Australasian Legal Information Institute database (AustLII).

Please consider that it may be upsetting to read details about a death or fire in an inquest finding. Some information may be graphic or distressing.

Use the search field above to locate a finding. You can search for a name, a case number, type of death or location of death.

Any person may apply for some or all of a finding to be reviewed and/or appealed.

    Recommendations

    The Coroners Act 2008 allows a coroner to make recommendations as part of their finding following an investigation into a death or fire.

    Recommendations can be made to any Minister, public statutory authority or entity that may help prevent similar deaths. A public statutory authority or entity who receives a recommendation from a coroner must respond, in writing, within three months stating what action, if any, has or will be taken.

    The Court will publish inquest findings with recommendations and the subsequent responses below.

    Findings list

    Name Case ID Case type Sort descending Date Coroner Related orders and rulings Responses to recommendations
    Penrin John Maxworth Halliday COR 2009 0575 Finding into death with inquest 02/10/2014 Coroner Peter White
    Wayne Paul Eadie COR 2012 0598 Finding into death with inquest 09/05/2013 Coroner Audrey Jamieson
    Allem Halkic COR 2009 0655 Finding into death with inquest 27/06/2012 Coroner Audrey Jamieson
    Unidentified Remains COR 2015 0705 Finding into death with inquest 01/04/2016 State Coroner Judge Sara Hinchey
    Garry Montgomery Theobold COR 2014 0888 Finding into death with inquest 11/07/2017 Deputy State Coroner Paresa Spanos
    Benjamin Jason Pappas COR 2007 0957 Finding into death with inquest 12/10/2012 State Coroner Judge Jennifer Coate
    Jennifer Anne Capes COR 2011 1069 Finding into death with inquest 02/07/2012 Coroner Peter White
    Kath Bergamin COR 2007 1111 Finding into death with inquest 04/06/2008 Coroner Peter White
    Tristan Edmond Cosgriff COR 2010 01141 Finding into death with inquest 22/02/2013 Coroner Heather Spooner
    Paul Kenneth Stephens COR 2008 1187 Finding into death with inquest 11/05/2011 State Coroner Judge Jennifer Coate